UK news: Live Music Bill Passes through Commons

The bill* – introduced by Liberal Democrat Don Foster – enables unamplified music to be played anywhere between 8am and 11pm without a licence, "ending the situation where the playing of a piano in a street could be subject to fines", Mr Foster said.

Where there are up to 200 people present in a pub or restaurant, or in workplaces such as a hospital or school, live music can also be performed between 8am and 11pm without a licence under the bill.

Mr Foster added: "The Live Music Bill has therefore been prepared as a modest way to tidy up the problems created by the Licensing 2003 Act to provide for a licensing regime that will enable small venues to develop bands, discover new talent and act as beacons for local music scenes."

*Amendments agreed in the Commons will have to return to the Lords, but this should be largely a formality.